Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Best car Ive had to date, and had a 911 turbo - 2017 Subaru WRX
  By jb - July 5 - 1:50 am

  I love this car. It doesnt attract too much attention. It is reliable. Oil changes only. No rattles. Interior panels are durable and the ones you might wear (door) are literally 3 dollars or so each online...so you dont have to baby/worry/avoid using it...get in, drive, go. For the real world, this car is every bit as good as a 911. Less attentiona seeking for sure - which to me is a very good thing. Getting 34mpg hwy, 28city...the p car was 24/15.... The ride is comforable. I love the cvt on S# - whatever you read about the cvt, it is likely wrong...it is great and if you live in a metro area (most of us now), it is equal to the stick or perhaps even better....just do a traffic jam every day with a stick.....

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  Revisited Foul Weather Friend - 2006 Subaru Impreza
  By James - July 4 - 2:56 pm

  Since my last review, I have more miles on the car almost 85k and no major problems, just routine maintenance. One minor problem has been the front hood latch no catching, I loosened the screws, moved the latch mechanism up about 1-2millimeters and it works fine now. I did purchase the vehicle after the lease.

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  Bring On Winter - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By alecb - July 4 - 1:43 pm

  I just picked up my new 2010 Legacy 2.5i Limited edition from the dealer today and I am absolutely thrilled will the whole package. I previously had a Volvo S80 and I enjoy the handling, comfort and quietness of the 2010 Legacy more than the S80 which cost me $15K more. The car looks fantastic, feels luxurious and handles and drives smoothly and precisely. This last winter in Seattle was the worst weve had for a while for long periods of ice and snow so the awd was the compelling feature, but I am blown away by the jump in interior space and smoothness of the cvt over the 2009 Legacy I test drove last year. Go Subaru.

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  The best yet - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By busycee - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the 5th Subaru Wagon I have had since 1987 and it is definitely the best. It has great acceleration!

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  new to me subaru 1st time subaru owner - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By EDH - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I test drove 38 same type cars befor choosing the outback , I was comparing value , safety , style , fuel eccon. fun to drive , visability , history , and dealerships for service and the outback won , Im having fun , only wish I would have gone for the Limited , the stero needs help in the base model , missing leather and the sunroof , next time round !

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  Poor mans Audi - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By sam - July 4 - 5:30 am

  Great car for Colorado. Does great in the snow and I get good MPG. I can chase BMW Xis and Audi A4s all day to the ski resorts, I might not be as fast as they are, but I can handle all the sludge on the road with easy and knowing that I can buy 2 Subarus for the price of one BMW or Audi it makes me smile when i park next to them. Great everyday car at a price that doesnt make you hate yourself every month! I think it will hold its value better as well! Im getting 27 mpg with a space box on the roof. Would recommend this car to anybody that needs AWD!

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  Lovely Wagon - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By anil - July 1 - 8:43 am

  Have been driving it for about 3 months now and LOVE everything about it. I average about 23mpg combined with a 5spd and i think that is just fine for a vehicle so fun to drive. Also the build quality is very nice like an audi or bmw ( both of whose entry offerings are smoked by this ). would certainly recommend it.

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  2005 Outback 2.5XT Limited - 2005 Subaru Outback
  By Jim Hauff - July 1 - 3:36 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle. It pulls through snow, ice and wet pavements with very impressive handling. On dry roads it takes curves and corners better than any vehicle I have every before owned. The acceleration with the turbo boosted engine is very impressive and is probably quicker than the last "muscle car" I owned, a 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 with a 305 hp Police Interceptor 352 cu.in. V8 engine. The interior layout is very ergonomic and the instrument cluster is right where it should be and very visible. Everyone who has ridden in this or driven this car has had nothing but praise for it. I have seen a number of people "checking it out" when parked in lots. I am very pleased.

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  2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5i SE 4A - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By hubertus8 - July 1 - 2:56 am

  I bought this car 2 weeks ago and couldnt be more pleased with its perfomance. I test drove few Hondas and Toyotas and the legacy gave, by far, the best performance on the road. This is the best car for your money.

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Steve - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I had a Camry and an Accord and was looking for a new vehicle. I drove the new Camry and the Accord...Ho Hum. I wanted something different that was actually more in touch with the road and the driving experience in general. I found it in the Legacy. Driving this car is a dream. It is so tactile and accurate. It is like the car is on rails. The quality, fit & finish is impressive. Acceleration is responsive. It is just so fun to drive. Instrumentation is well organized, and lots of safety features. Regular gas too. You will love this car.